Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ)
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ) worth booking?
Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ) is a 6-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $44 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (15)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $44 per person
Discover the best of Zanzibar with a unique combination of Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank in one seamless experience, departing from Stone Town. Enjoy a professional local guide who shares authentic stories and ins
What you get
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Admission fees
- Lunch
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
Discover the best of Zanzibar with a unique combination of Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank in one seamless experience, departing from Stone Town. Enjoy a professional local guide who shares authentic stories and insights. Relax with comfortable boat transfers, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches. Perfect for couples, families, and adventure seekers, this tour blends relaxation, nature, and unforgettable island moments.
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Admission fees
- Lunch
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Personal Expenses
What you'll see and do
Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
Experience a memorable visit to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, located just a short boat ride from Stone Town. Travelers will enjoy crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and a peaceful island atmosphere. During the visit, guests will meet and interact with the famous giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. You’ll have the opportunity to feed them, take photos, and learn about their history and conservation. The tour also includes time to explore the historic prison ruins, relax on the beach, or go swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise waters. Your guide will share interesting stories about the island’s past and ensure you have an enjoyable and informative experience. This is a perfect escape for nature lovers and anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Zanzibar.
120 minutes here
Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve
Enjoy a relaxing escape to Nakupenda Beach, a stunning sandbank surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters just off the coast of Stone Town. This unique spot appears during low tide, offering soft white sand and breathtaking ocean views. Travelers can swim in the warm, shallow waters, sunbathe on the pristine sandbank, and take unforgettable photos in one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful natural locations. The calm and peaceful environment makes it perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature. Guests will also have the chance to snorkel and discover colorful marine life around the sandbank. Fresh tropical fruits and refreshments are often served, adding to the overall island experience. This experience is perfect for couples, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful and scenic beach getaway.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Pickup stontown(no tickets)
Entrance fees: This option does not includes mandatory fees of 22$pp, no need to bring cash Shared tour Duration: 6 hours Seafood BBQ/whatever ordered: For vegetarians and those prefer chicken instead of seafood should notify on WhatsApp after the booking Round boat and walking tour Cruise by wooden boat Pickup included
Pickup anywhere(with tickets)
Entrance fees : This option includes the mandatory entrance fees of prison island and marine conservation fees of total 22$ Shared trip Duration: 7 hours Seafood BBQ/whatever ordered : For vegetarians and those prefer chicken should notify us Cruise with wooden boat Air conditioned vehicle : Hotel pickups to the meeting point will be held by air conditioned vehicle Pickup included
Pickup stontown(with tickets)
Entrance fees included : This option does include the mandatory 22$ for prison island and marine conservation fees Shared tour Duration: 6 hours Seafood BBQ : Normally we offer seafood, but if prefer chicken or vegetarian please notify on WhatsApp Wooden boat to cruise: We offer a comfortable wooden boat for cruising between islands with walking tour in stonetown Pickup included
Pickup anywhere (no tickets)
No entrance : With this option travelers will have to bring 22$pp for entrance fees(prison island+marine conservation fee) in a day of tour Shared Duration: 7 hours Seafood BBQ : For those prefering vegetarians and chicken will have to notify us through WhatsApp Air conditioned car and boat: We will do the pickup from any hotel with an air conditioned vehicle, also the boat to cruise will be comfortable Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Zan Excursions
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best trip ever
Very fantastic and amazing 🤩
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this wonderful review, We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the trip and everything going well Welcome again zanzibar hakuna matata
via Tripadvisor
Excellent excursion with great professionals
Fantastic excursion. We enjoyed it in its entirety: Prison Island, Nakupenda, and a guided tour of Stone Town. Special mention to Yasser from Yazan Tours and our Spanish-speaking guide Mohamed, who made us have an unbeatable day.
Response from the operator: ¡Muchísimas gracias por vuestra reseña Nos alegra saber que disfrutasteis de Prison Island, Nakupenda y la visita por Stone Town. Ha sido un verdadero placer acompañaros durante el día. Gracias también por vuestras palabras hacia Yasser y Mohamed; seguro que les hará mucha ilusión saber que contribuyeron a que vuestra experiencia fuera tan especial. Esperamos volver a veros en Zanzibar Jambo jambo hakuna matata zanzibar 😀
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Prison Island/Nakepunda tour
Our tour guide was amazing! Very knowledgeable regarding anything about the islands. Highly recommend! Make sure if you are driving yourself there that you communicate with the tour guide regarding where to park. We were over charged by locals (which had nothing to do with the tour guide), but did not let that ruin the tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed the Prison Island and Nakupenda tour and that our guide made the experience special. We also appreciate your note about the parking situation, as it may help future travelers. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you back to Zanzibar again Hakuna matata zanzibar 😀
via Tripadvisor
Very fun experience
Very fun excursion, we saw an island with giant tortoises and then we went to a sandbar and ate a barbecue with seafood and more things, we even bought a few things The agency treated us phenomenally
Response from the operator: Muchas gracias por compartir vuestra experiencia Nos alegra mucho saber que disfrutasteis de Prison Island, Nakupenda y del almuerzo. Fue un placer teneros con nosotros. ¡Esperamos volver a veros algún día en Zanzibar Hakuna matata ☺️
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good experience
Good tour. The guides were very nice. The prison island is interesting to visit. Nakupenda is beautiful but way too much people for our taste. Regardless, good experience. Food was delicious. Also the pickup driver was very nice
Response from the operator: Thanks you, we hope you come back again zanzibar for unforgettable memories in zanzibar island Zanzibar hakuna matata Asante sana
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $44 to $147
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ) cost?
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Prices start at $44 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zanzibar City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ) take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zanzibar City is not rushed.
Is Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zanzibar City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ)?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zanzibar City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zanzibar City and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zanzibar - Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch (BBQ) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zanzibar City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Zanzibar City?
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On Outty we rank every Zanzibar City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 4h Quad Adventures in Zanzibar: Nungwi / Kendwa Transfer inclus, Stone Town Private Walking Tour, Zanzibar Adventure Quad with Sunset and Transfer Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Zanzibar City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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